Pipe Cleaners; What is your preference?

Is a pipe cleaner just a pipe cleaner?
Is there a difference?

I have been using some cheap cleaners I pick up at a tobacco store mostly known for cigarettes and other smoking accessories, paying $2/100. I know you can get them even less if you buy in bulk from the on-line vendors. I recently found myself out and picked up a pack of Dill "premium" pipe cleaners from a checkout line in the grocery store for $2/32. There is a difference, but I'm not sure if it is enough in most cases. The cheapos are fluffier and a bit more absorbent, but I find the Dill's are thinner and pass through a few of my pipes better. For some of my pipes, the cheapos work better. I find this true mostly for the cobs that have a larger bore all of the way through. The less expensive ones sometimes shed a bit of fluff that I then have to clean out of the draught hole.
Also, the Dill seem to have a bit stiffer wire and don't crimp or bend as easily. This sometimes works to an advantage when cleaning the bowl.

What is your experience with pipe cleaners?

I use the "Long's" brand pipe cleaners that I buy from my B&M. Their absorbency is fine, but I'm not entirely happy with them – they shed some lint when I move them back and forth in the draft bore, and they all have a little kink at one end.

If there was a brand that didn't have these issues, I'd buy them. But I haven't found any on-line reviews of pipe cleaners. :(

Hoping that I'll learn something from this thread.

I use Long's Extra Absorbent. I buy them in bulk off flea bay. They are pretty cheap and
I have never had a complaint with them

I get mine from Walgreens cann't remember the price or count but they work fin for me.They have the scrub bristles and absorb moisture great.
Haven't noticed any flint left behind so I'm happy.

Stanwell Extra Thin High Absorbent Pipe Cleaners. I have a Bryco Cleaner next to it for comparison. I use the Stanwell first, and then the Bryco if it will fit to give the stem a good cleaning. These are also great for cleaning pipes with stingers. You can get them at P&C for $2.00 @ 100 I believe.....

http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/x...8/DSC05689.jpg

I buy whatever is cheap.

BJ Long tapered for most of my pipes, but a few I have to use the BJ Long regulars. The tapered will soak up more spit and tar than any I have run across.

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Originally Posted by Nachman

BJ Long tapered for most of my pipes, but a few I have to use the BJ Long regulars. The tapered will soak up more spit and tar than any I have run across.

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This

I'm not picky.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Pipe Smoker

I use the "Long's" brand pipe cleaners that I buy from my B&M. Their absorbency is fine, but I'm not entirely happy with them – they shed some lint when I move them back and forth in the draft bore, and they all have a little kink at one end.

If there was a brand that didn't have these issues, I'd buy them. But I haven't found any on-line reviews of pipe cleaners. :(

Hoping that I'll learn something from this thread.

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I predominantly use Long's myself. And I do get frustrated with the cotton that enters my pipes (especially my morta pipes, for another time)

I always thought all pipe cleaners did this and never really looked to any others.